Detoxing your wardrobe: An ultimate guide on what to sell, donate or swap

While we’re all busy trying our best to embrace this year’s 'lagom' trend (it's the new hygge, in case you hadn't heard), it feels like there's no better time for a wardrobe rehaul. The Swedish word for ‘just the right amount’ is the perfect place to start when it comes to rediscovering those forgotten items that have been lurking in the back of your cupboard for years.

While it can seem like an impossible task, decluttering your wardrobe can actually be extremely therapeutic, and dare we say it, fun. First of all, you need to separate your wardrobe out into three sections - to sell, to donate and to swap.

If you still haven’t worn that cashmere jumper you got for Christmas five years ago, chances are you never will, so be strict about what you're keeping. As a general rule, if you haven't put it on in the last 12 months, it's got to go. However, if it's an occasion wear piece that you still love and might find a use for in the future, it's okay to keep.

As for how to know what to sell, donate or swap? Designer labels and items still with their tags on perform well on eBay, but so do many high street items - even if you don't think it's particularly fashionable any more, someone else might. For basics, cheap accessories and pieces you suspect might not fetch you much money online, donate. If it's a pair of jeans that no longer fit you but that you know your friend would love, it could be good for a swap shop.

Keep reading for our ultimate guide...

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Sell

Take another look at your 'sell' pile and be realistic - if it’s a pair of leather boots or a good quality handbag, it’s worth listing on eBay. If it’s your baggy pyjama shirt that’s had one too many washes, then maybe not. Designer labels tend to perform better online, but popular high street brands also pick up plenty of searches. Liz Barnes, owner of eBay shop Swimdress Boutique, started out selling clothes, shoes and handbags to supplement her maternity pay. ‘Often, branded products like River Island, Next and Karen Millen do very well and are highly sought-after, so where appropriate, specifically mention this in the title', she says.

Next up, look for tags. Perhaps you splashed out on a beautiful dress for your friend’s wedding, only to try it on and decide it didn’t fit? We’ve all been there. Two months down the line and it's too late to return, so you've stashed it at the bottom of your wardrobe instead. If it didn't suit you and the tags are still on, it’s a great one for eBay, especially if the item has since sold out in store and online. Similarly, shoes pictured in their original box will also increase your chances of earning a pretty penny.

When it comes to taking photos of your items, make sure you showcase them in the best possible light. ‘Clothing looks best pictured on a hanger on a door, or (ideally) modelled on a person - you can omit the head if they’re shy!' Liz says. 'Make sure the light source is behind you so that the item is well-lit. eBay lets you upload up to 12 photos for free, so take pictures from the front and the back, as well as close-ups of the tags, the washing label, and any attractive detailing.’

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Donate

Donating to charity has become easier than ever - in fact, you don't even have to leave your house to give back, as eBay For Charity lets you donate 10-100% of your online sale to a charity of your choice. You could also drop your items to Oxfam, who accept any 'good quality, clean clothing and shoes (including vintage and retro items, and even bras!). Cancer Research has similar guidelines, with each sale from a bag of clothes going directly to supporting their charity work.

Or why not consider giving your clothes to a scheme like Smart Works? A UK charity that provides high-quality interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to women in need, it's a great option for any of the slightly nicer items in your 'donate' pile. You can either deliver your garments in person to your nearest Smart Works office or send them by post or courier.

Unwanted underwear? Consider donating to an organisation like TRADE. Bras that are in good nick can be sold in their stores, and those that are rejected are sold to a wholesaler and taken to places like Africa and Eastern Europe.

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Swap

If you've got friends who have always admired your style, it might be time to call a swap shop - as well as helping you to declutter, they can also be pretty fun! Invite a group of friends to your home and ask each person to bring a number of items they're willing to swap (as long as they're clean), and make sure to stock up on wine and nibbles.

Next up, pick up a clothes rail with hangers or string up a clothes line with pegs to display everyone's garments, and give guests room to spread out their items by clearing space on surfaces and side tables. It's also a good idea to make sure there's a full-length mirror in the room so people can see what they're trying on. Once your friends have arrived, organise the clothes by size so that everyone knows where to look, making a separate section for shoes, bags and accessories.

From then on, you might choose to put a system in place - you could draw straws to decide who picks first (with a limit of up to three items, say), or make a rule that whoever brought the most items is allowed to choose first. Or perhaps you decide to just dive right in!

As well as being safe in the knowledge that your garments will be going to a good home, you might also pick up some gems for yourself. It's a win win.

Whether you're having a clear-out or fancy making some extra cash, it's easier than ever to sell your unwanted items on eBay. Get listing now.

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